Sen. John McCain Discusses Iraq With Alhurra Television

October 31, 2013

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) discussed the letter he co-authored to President Obama regarding that state of Iraq during an interview on Alhurra Television. Speaking to Congressional Correspondent Rana Abtar, Sen. McCain stated that that Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki has not been inclusive within the Iraqi government and that the violent situation in Iraq is “deteriorating very badly.” He suggested that Al-Maliki reach out to the Sunni population of Iraq and create a more all-encompassing government. Sen. McCain also noted that Al Qaeda is now entrenched on the Iraqi/Syrian border areas. “They are running almost freely back and forth and the whole country is in danger of erupting.”

Sen. McCain also expressed concern that Iran has a “serious significant influence over Iraq.” He challenged Prime Minister Maliki again regarding the Iranian use of Iraqi airspace loaded with weapons for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

Alhurra’s interview with Sen. McCain is part of its ongoing coverage of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki’s visit to the U.S. including live coverage of his speech at the U.S. Institute of Peace.